Question

The height of the geostationary satellites above the earth’s surface is approximately 36,000 km.

(a) True

(b) False

This question was addressed to me at a job interview.

The doubt is from Gravitation topic in chapter Gravitation of Physics – Class 11

Answer 1

Correct option is (a) True

Best explanation: The orbital radius “r” for a geostationary satellite is as follows;

r = [(T^2 x G x M)/(4 x pi^2)] ^1/3

 = [(86400^2 x (6.67 x 10^-11) x (6 x 10^24))/(4 x pi^2)] ^1/3

 = 4,22,00,000 m

 = 42,200 km

r = R + h

R = Radius of earth

 = 6,400 km

h = height of satellite above the earth’s surface

42,200 = 6,400 + h

h = 35,800 km

 = approx. 36,000 km.